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DC seeks report for new development schemes

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DERA GHAZI KHAN, Feb 19 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mehr Shahid Zaman directed officers concerned to complete working for new development schemes for the annual development program 2024-25.
Presiding over a meeting on Monday, the deputy commissioner asked officers to suggest new development schemes by keeping in view the population, traffic flow and public facilitation. He said that the availability of funds for the ongoing development schemes would be ensured which would help end sewerage issues of the district.
He directed officers concerned to visit the sites themselves and ensure the best quality material in the ongoing development schemes.
He asked officers to comprehensively monitor the development schemes of schools and to secure data at all basic health units.
He stressed the need for more efforts at canals under the vision to prevent losses in flood-like situations. He said that the participation of youth must be ensured before suggesting sports schemes.
The DC assured that funds for water filtration plants would only be spent on these projects.
Political Assistant Muhammad Asad Chandia, Deputy Director Development Ameer Muslim and other concerned officers were also present in the meeting.

Kashmiris to commemorate martyrdom anniversary of London-Based Kashmiri heroes

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MIRPUR AJK, Feb 19 (APP):Jammu and Kashmir communities prepare to mark the 51st martyrdom anniversary of London-based Kashmiri martyrs Hanif Shaheed and Basharat Shaheed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and the United Kingdom on February 20th with reverence and renewed commitment to the Kashmiri cause.
Detailed programs, jointly organized by the AJK government and various social and human rights organizations, will be held at the mausoleums of Bashrat Shaheed in Palak and Hanif Shaheed in Mirpur.
Notable figures and public will lay floral wreaths and offer prayers at the grave-sites.
Special ceremonies will honor the memory of the ‘Martyrs of London’, emphasizing their sacrifices for Kashmir’s freedom struggle.
These commemorations reaffirm Kashmiri resolve that Pakistan represents their ultimate destination and underscore their dedication to achieving self-determination.
The Kashmiri Martyrs Day serves as a reminder to continue the struggle until the aspirations of the Kashmiri people are realized.
Tributes will be paid to the martyrs and their associate Ghazi Dilawar, reaffirming the commitment to their mission for freedom and self-determination.

Sanjrani announces three member panel of chairpersons

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani on Monday announced a three-member panel of chairpersons to conduct the business of the House in the absence of the chairman and deputy chairman.
Senator Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, Senator Seemi Ezdi and Senator Dilawar Khan, would chair the proceedings of the House in the absence of the chairman and deputy chairman.

Heavy rain, snowfall disrupt life in AJK

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MIRPUR AJK, Feb 19 (APP): Heavy rain with snowfall for the third consecutive third day Monday disrupted normal life in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), particularly in the upper regions, including the scenic Leepa and Neelam valleys.

Vehicular traffic on routes such as the Leepa and Neelam valleys, and Mahmood Galli – Abbaspur Road in the Poonch Division has been suspended due to heavy snowfall since late Sunday.

Several areas in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur divisions were cut off as roads were closed due to the heavy snowfall. Landslides were reported in snow-clad upper reaches, impacting connectivity.

Electricity breakdowns in major towns further disrupted daily life.

Mirpur faced heavy downpours for the third consecutive day, accompanied by windstorms, affecting electricity, roads, and telecommunications. Uprooted trees and electricity poles added to the problems of residents particularly in Mirpur city.

The heavy rainfall intensified the cold weather, prompting people to wear heavy winter clothing. Construction laborers were significantly affected by the adverse weather conditions.

The Meteorological Office has predicted more rain and snowfall in the upper reaches of AJK in the next 24 hours.

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Fertilizers vital to increase per acre produce: agronomists

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FAISALABAD, Feb 19 (APP):The agronomists from the Research Information Unit of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) have said that in the current era, it is not possible to increase agricultural production without proper use of fertilizers.
The fertilizers with secondary nutritional components are of particular importance for proper growth of plants. The use of fertilizer is also very important from an economic point of view. The farmers by utilizing fertilizer of Rs 1 can get additional production of up to Rs 9.
They said types of fertilizers could be divided into three parts. The first, major components fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, were much needed for the crops. On the second, secondary components fertilizers, including calcium, magnesium, sulphur had positive effects on the crops. Third, minor components of fertilizers can also be beneficial to provide financial benefits
to farmers.
They said farmers who use calcium, single superphosphate, calcium ammonium nitrate, sulphur, ammonium sulphate, zinc sulphate, potassium sulphate as secondary ingredients with the advice of agronomists have no problem in getting a bumper crops.

DC chairs meeting

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SIALKOT, Feb 19 (APP):A meeting of the District Coordination Committee for Population Welfare was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Zulqarnain on Monday.
Addressing the meeting, DC Zulqarnain directed officials of the population welfare
department to point out all family health clinics/centers functioning under the population welfare in the district on internet so that people could know their nearest center for availing services provided by the government. He said controlling the growing population was a challenge and it was a responsibility of  the department to create awareness among people.

MoU signed to make Pakistan food self-sufficient

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday signed between Green Corporate Initiative and Organic Pakistan to Revolutionize Agriculture to ensure food sovereignty and environmental sustainability in Pakistan.
The Green Corporate Initiative (GCI) and Organic Pakistan (OP) have officially inked MoU to spearhead a transformative journey towards smart and sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and urban farming practices to make Pakistan food self sufficient.
The agreement signed for ensuring Pakistan to move from food import and dependency to a self-sufficient food exporting nation.
The partnership is also aimed to improve the status of the farmers by bringing them into the mainstream economic development, particularly the agriculture policy debate.
 The MoU, signed  at the Green Corporate Initiative Pvt. Limited’s head office, establishes a robust framework for collaboration between Green Corporate Initiative and Organic Pakistan, with a shared vision to make Pakistan food self-sufficient.
Through strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation-centric initiatives, both organizations aim to foster resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity within the agricultural sector.
Commenting on the MoU,  Shahid Nazeer, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Green Initiative said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to drive smart sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Pakistan. By combining our expertise, resources, and networks, we are poised to create lasting impact and empower communities across the country.”
Nadeem Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Organic Pakistan, said, “We are excited to embark on this journey of collaboration with the Green Corporate Initiative. Together, we aim to harness the transformative power of agriculture to address pressing challenges and build a more resilient and prosperous future for Pakistan. Our ultimate aim is to empower “the Kisaan of Pakistan, and make him/her the custodian of Pakistan’s prosperity.”
Green Corporate Initiative (GCI) is a strategic initiative, dedicated to ensuring food security.
Founded on the principles of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, GCI leverages its expertise and resources to address pressing challenges in agriculture, environmental conservation, and community empowerment. With a focus on Pakistan’s food self-sufficiency.
Organic Pakistan is a pioneering organization committed to advancing sustainable solutions in Agriculture, Food, Health, and Environmental Security.
Established in 2006, the organization is dedicated to cultivating a thriving food and agriculture industry that benefits growers, producers, and consumers alike.

Kalam receives 24 inches of snowfall

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PESHAWAR, Feb 19 (APP):The weather in Kalam valley of Swat became extremely cold on Monday after 24 inches of snowfall and 55mm rain was recorded in this scenic resort of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the Met Office, 55-millimeter rain each was recorded in Said Sharif and Kalam in Swat while 24 inches of snowfall was recorded during the last 24 hours in Kalam.
The Met Office further informed that Malam Jabba received 18 inches of snowfall while Drosh received 2 inches and Chitral and Dir Upper received 0.8 inches of snowfall.
The rainfall recorded in other parts of the province was 41mm in Mardan, 32mm in Cherat, 30mm in Drosh, 28mm in Landikotal, 25mm in Parachinar, 21mm in Chital and 14mm in Bannu.

Equipping students with IT, AI crying need of hour: Governor

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MULTAN, Feb 19 (APP): Governor of Punjab, Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman has said that equipping students with Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the dire need of the hour.
Addressing a convocation of a private institute here on Monday, he stated in the modern era, acquiring knowledge of modern sciences and arts is essential for progress and success.
He informed that hard work and consistency play a crucial role in the journey of progress.
Instead of reacting to false and misleading information on social media, ensure a research-based approach, the governor advised the students adding that reacting against corruption should be based on real data and facts from international organizations.
Rehman noted that destruction and violent protests were extremely detrimental to the country. He said that determining those who merely talk against corruption and those who take practical actions was imperative.
the governor said success in education is possible through collaboration with the private sector. Honesty and high moral values are the keys to success in practical life, he maintained.
Vice Chancellors (VCs) of public and private universities besides parents and graduating students were in attendance.
Earlier, the governor disbursed medals and degrees to the students.

Solangi urges patience as probe continues into ex-commissioner’s rigging allegations

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Monday said a high-level investigation committee was constituted to investigate the allegations leveled by former Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chatta regarding rigging in the general election.

Talking to media persons after attending the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, he urged patience as the legal process was currently underway.

The people should have trust in institutions and the judicial process, he added.

He remarked that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was currently investigating the allegations of rigging. The minister stressed the significance of waiting for the results of the ongoing legal proceedings.

The caretaker government, he said, had fulfilled its responsibility for conducting elections in free, fair and peaceful manner.

Responding to a query, he explained that once the Election Commission released the final list of successful candidates, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs would forward a summary to the concerned for convening the new session of the National Assembly.

Subsequently, a request would be made to the President to summon the session of the National Assembly, he added.

Earlier, during a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Fauzia Arshad, the minister stressed the importance of boosting PTV’s presence on social media platforms to enhance viewership.

He noted that PTV had started sharing its top-quality programs on social media, recognizing the significant audience engagement on these platforms.

Solangi underscored the necessity of improving the marketing of PTV products on social media.

The minister explained that the responsibility for appointing heads of certain institutions rested with the elected government.

Due to the lengthy selection process, it was impractical to accomplish this task during the tenure of a caretaker government, he said, adding that therefore, it was preferable for the new parliament and government, upon assuming office, to exercise their authority in making these appointments.

Murtaza Solangi said that Radio Pakistan’s primary mission was to provide information to the public. The minister told the meeting that he had already met with the Secretary and Minister of Energy to address the issue of Radio Pakistan’s electricity bills.

The Ministry of Energy was urged to avoid imposing commercial electricity rates on Radio Pakistan, as it was not a commercial entity, he added.

Briefing the committee, Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Shahera Shahid provided an overview of PTV’s financial strategy, adding the PTV currently employed approximately 4,100 individuals, with pension obligations representing a significant liability.

The secretary said that PTV was a national broadcaster with nationwide viewership, extending its reach to remote areas of the country.

Shahera mentioned that the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also served as a member of PTV’s Board of Governors.

She emphasized that any competent and suitable individual could be appointed as the head of a department following approval from the federal cabinet.

Additionally, discussions were held with both current and former chairmen of the PCB regarding granting rights of sports coverage to PTV Sports, she said.